JP2018201816A - Game program, information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a program for making a player easily recognize a state of vibrations of a virtual space by controlling the vibrations.SOLUTION: When a player character comes into contact with a ground object of a virtual space, a vibrator continuously vibrates. In the case that the player character performs a jump action in the virtual space in response to a player's operation, the player character gets away from the ground object. While the player character performs the jump action, vibrations of the vibrator are temporarily stopped. When the player character falls down on the ground object again, the vibrator vibrates again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a game program, an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and an information processing method for vibrating a vibration unit.

  Conventionally, a system including a vibration unit has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The said system vibrates a vibration part according to the position of a vibration source.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-232786

  However, the prior art described above is to perceive the position of the vibration source by vibrating the vibration portion, and there is room for improvement in order for the player to recognize the vibration source.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, an apparatus, a system, and a method that allow a player to easily recognize the state of vibration in a virtual space by controlling vibration.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

  An example of the present invention is a game program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus. The game program causes the computer to execute an operation target control step and a vibration control step. In the operation object control step, the operation object is controlled in the virtual space based on the operation of the player, and when a predetermined operation is performed when the operation object is in contact with a predetermined surface in the virtual space. , Causing the operation target to perform an operation in which the operation target leaves the predetermined plane. The vibration control step controls the predetermined vibration unit to perform predetermined vibration when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, and the operation target is set to the predetermined vibration unit by the operation. Control is performed not to cause the predetermined vibration when the robot is away from the surface.

  According to the above, when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the vibration unit performs the predetermined vibration, and the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the action according to the operation of the player. Sometimes, the predetermined vibration can be prevented from being performed by the vibration unit. Thereby, the player can easily recognize that the predetermined surface of the virtual space is vibrating, and the situation of the virtual space can be recognized by the vibration.

  In another configuration, the vibration control step may further control the vibration unit to perform a second vibration different from the predetermined vibration based on a predetermined game process. In the vibration control step, when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface when the vibration unit causes the vibration unit to perform the second vibration, the vibration unit performs the predetermined vibration and the second vibration. When the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation, the vibration unit may be controlled to perform the second vibration without performing the predetermined vibration.

  According to the above, only the predetermined vibration can be stopped when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface.

  In another configuration, the predetermined surface may be a ground set in the virtual space.

  According to the above, the predetermined vibration can be performed when the operation target is on the ground of the virtual space, and the predetermined vibration can be stopped when the operation target is separated from the ground of the virtual space.

  In another configuration, the movement away from the predetermined plane may be a jump movement of the operation target.

  According to the above, when the operation target performs the jump operation, the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface, and the vibration unit can be prevented from performing the predetermined vibration.

  In another configuration, in the vibration control step, the vibration unit may be vibrated with a strength corresponding to the position of the operation target in the virtual space.

  According to the above, it is possible to vibrate the vibration part with different strengths according to the position of the operation target in the virtual space. For example, the player can recognize the positional relationship between the operation target and the vibration source based on the strength of vibration of the vibration unit.

  In another configuration, the vibration unit may include a first vibration unit and a second vibration unit. In the vibration control step, the vibration intensity of each of the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit may be controlled according to the position of the operation target.

  According to the above, it is possible to vibrate the two vibrating parts according to the position of the operation target. For example, the positional relationship between the operation target and the vibration source can be recognized by the player by changing the strength of vibration of the two vibration units.

  In addition, another invention may be an information processing apparatus that executes the game program or an information processing system. Further, another invention may be an information processing method including each step of the game program.

  According to the present invention, the player can easily recognize that the predetermined surface of the virtual space vibrates, and the vibration state of the virtual space can be recognized.

The figure which shows an example of the state which mounted | wore the main body apparatus 2 with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 The figure which shows an example of the state which removed the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 from the main body apparatus 2, respectively. Six views showing an example of the main unit 2 Six views showing an example of the left controller 3 Six views showing an example of the right controller 4 The block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of the main body apparatus 2 The block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of the main body device 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4 The figure which shows an example of a function structure of the game system 1 of this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the virtual space when the game of this embodiment is played The figure which shows an example of a mode that the player character P performs jump movement in virtual space The figure which shows an example of the jump operation | movement of the player character P, and the timing of the vibration of the vibrators 107 and 117 The figure for demonstrating control of the vibration according to the positional relationship of the player character P and the vibration object VS. The figure which shows an example of the data memorize | stored in the main body apparatus 2 The flowchart which shows the detail of the process performed in the main body apparatus 2 when the game which concerns on this embodiment is performed.

  Hereinafter, a game system according to an example of the present embodiment will be described. An example of the game system 1 in the present embodiment includes a main device (information processing device; functions as a game device main body in the present embodiment) 2, a left controller 3, and a right controller 4. The main body device 2 is detachably attachable to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. That is, the game system 1 can be used as an apparatus in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are respectively attached to the main body apparatus 2 and integrated. The game system 1 can also use the main body device 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4 as separate bodies (see FIG. 2). Below, the hardware constitutions of the game system 1 of this embodiment are demonstrated, and the control of the game system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated after that.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are mounted on the main body device 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are each attached to and integrated with the main body device 2. The main device 2 is a device that executes various processes (for example, game processes) in the game system 1. The main device 2 includes a display 12. The left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are devices including an operation unit for a user to input.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are removed from the main body device 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detachable from the main body device 2. Hereinafter, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be collectively referred to as “controller”.

  FIG. 3 is a six-sided view illustrating an example of the main device 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the main device 2 includes a substantially plate-shaped housing 11. In the present embodiment, the main surface of the housing 11 (in other words, the surface on the front side, that is, the surface on which the display 12 is provided) is generally rectangular.

  The shape and size of the housing 11 are arbitrary. As an example, the housing 11 may be a portable size. Further, the main body device 2 alone or the integrated device in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2 may be a portable device. Further, the main body device 2 or the integrated device may be a handheld device. Further, the main body device 2 or the integrated device may be a portable device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main device 2 includes a display 12 provided on the main surface of the housing 11. The display 12 displays an image generated by the main device 2. In the present embodiment, the display 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the display 12 may be any type of display device.

  The main device 2 also includes a touch panel 13 on the screen of the display 12. In the present embodiment, the touch panel 13 is a type capable of multi-touch input (for example, a capacitance type). However, the touch panel 13 may be of any type, and may be of a type capable of single touch input (for example, a resistance film type).

  The main device 2 includes a speaker (that is, the speaker 88 shown in FIG. 6) inside the housing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, speaker holes 11 a and 11 b are formed in the main surface of the housing 11. And the output sound of the speaker 88 is output from these speaker holes 11a and 11b, respectively.

  The main device 2 includes a left terminal 17 that is a terminal for the main device 2 to perform wired communication with the left controller 3, and a right terminal 21 for the main device 2 to perform wired communication with the right controller 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main body device 2 includes a slot 23. The slot 23 is provided on the upper side surface of the housing 11. The slot 23 has a shape in which a predetermined type of storage medium can be mounted. The predetermined type of storage medium is, for example, a storage medium (for example, a dedicated memory card) dedicated to the game system 1 and the same type of information processing apparatus. The predetermined type of storage medium stores, for example, data (eg, application save data) used by the main device 2 and / or a program (eg, application program) executed by the main device 2. Used to do. The main device 2 also includes a power button 28.

  The main device 2 includes a lower terminal 27. The lower terminal 27 is a terminal for the main device 2 to communicate with the cradle. In the present embodiment, the lower terminal 27 is a USB connector (more specifically, a female connector). When the integrated device or the main device 2 alone is placed on the cradle, the game system 1 can display an image generated and output by the main device 2 on the stationary monitor. Further, in the present embodiment, the cradle has a function of charging the mounted integrated device or the main body device 2 alone. The cradle has a function of a hub device (specifically, a USB hub).

  FIG. 4 is a six-sided view illustrating an example of the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the left controller 3 includes a housing 31. In the present embodiment, the housing 31 has a vertically long shape, that is, a shape that is long in the vertical direction (that is, the y-axis direction shown in FIGS. 1 and 4). The left controller 3 can also be held in a vertically long orientation when removed from the main unit 2. The housing 31 has a shape and size that can be gripped with one hand, particularly the left hand, when gripped in a vertically long orientation. Further, the left controller 3 can be held in a landscape orientation. When the left controller 3 is gripped in a landscape orientation, it may be gripped with both hands.

  The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the analog stick 32 is provided on the main surface of the housing 31. The analog stick 32 can be used as a direction input unit capable of inputting a direction. By tilting the analog stick 32, the user can input a direction corresponding to the tilting direction (and an input corresponding to the tilted angle). Note that the left controller 3 may include a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input, as a direction input unit, instead of the analog stick. In the present embodiment, an input for pressing the analog stick 32 is possible.

  The left controller 3 includes various operation buttons. The left controller 3 includes four operation buttons 33 to 36 (specifically, a right direction button 33, a down direction button 34, an up direction button 35, and a left direction button 36) on the main surface of the housing 31. Further, the left controller 3 includes a recording button 37 and a − (minus) button 47. The left controller 3 includes a first L button 38 and a ZL button 39 on the upper left of the side surface of the housing 31. In addition, the left controller 3 includes a second L button 43 and a second R button 44 on the side surface of the housing 31 that is attached when the housing 31 is attached to the main body device 2. These operation buttons are used to give instructions according to various programs (for example, OS programs and application programs) executed by the main body device 2.

  The left controller 3 also includes a terminal 42 for the left controller 3 to perform wired communication with the main body device 2.

  FIG. 5 is a six-sided view illustrating an example of the right controller 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the right controller 4 includes a housing 51. In the present embodiment, the housing 51 has a vertically long shape, that is, a shape that is long in the vertical direction. The right controller 4 can also be gripped in a portrait orientation when removed from the main device 2. The housing 51 has a shape and size that can be gripped with one hand, particularly the right hand, when gripped in a portrait orientation. The right controller 4 can also be held in a landscape orientation. When the right controller 4 is gripped in a landscape orientation, it may be gripped by both hands.

  Similar to the left controller 3, the right controller 4 includes an analog stick 52 as a direction input unit. In the present embodiment, the analog stick 52 has the same configuration as the analog stick 32 of the left controller 3. Further, the right controller 4 may include a cross key or a slide stick capable of slide input, instead of the analog stick. Similarly to the left controller 3, the right controller 4 has four operation buttons 53 to 56 (specifically, an A button 53, a B button 54, an X button 55, and a Y button 56) on the main surface of the housing 51. Is provided. Further, the right controller 4 includes a + (plus) button 57 and a home button 58. The right controller 4 includes a first R button 60 and a ZR button 61 on the upper right side of the side surface of the housing 51. The right controller 4 includes a second L button 65 and a second R button 66 as in the left controller 3.

  The right controller 4 includes a terminal 64 for the right controller 4 to perform wired communication with the main body device 2.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the main device 2. The main unit 2 includes the components 81 to 91, 97, and 98 shown in FIG. 6 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. Some of these components 81 to 91, 97, and 98 may be mounted on the electronic circuit board as electronic components and housed in the housing 11.

  The main device 2 includes a processor 81. The processor 81 is an information processing unit that executes various types of information processing executed in the main device 2, and may be composed of, for example, only a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a CPU function, or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). ) May be composed of SoC (System-on-a-chip) including a plurality of functions such as functions. The processor 81 executes an information processing program (for example, a game program) stored in a storage unit (specifically, an internal storage medium such as the flash memory 84 or an external storage medium attached to the slot 23). As a result, various types of information processing are executed.

  The main device 2 includes a flash memory 84 and a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 85 as an example of an internal storage medium built therein. The flash memory 84 and the DRAM 85 are connected to the processor 81. The flash memory 84 is a memory mainly used for storing various data (may be programs) stored in the main device 2. The DRAM 85 is a memory used for temporarily storing various data used in information processing.

  The main device 2 includes a slot interface (hereinafter abbreviated as “I / F”) 91. The slot I / F 91 is connected to the processor 81. The slot I / F 91 is connected to the slot 23 and reads and writes data from and to a predetermined type of storage medium (for example, a dedicated memory card) attached to the slot 23 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 81.

  The processor 81 appropriately reads and writes data between the flash memory 84, the DRAM 85, and each storage medium, and executes the above information processing.

  The main device 2 includes a network communication unit 82. The network communication unit 82 is connected to the processor 81. The network communication unit 82 performs communication (specifically, wireless communication) with an external device via a network. In the present embodiment, the network communication unit 82 communicates with an external device by connecting to a wireless LAN by a method based on the Wi-Fi standard as a first communication mode. Moreover, the network communication part 82 performs radio | wireless communication between the other main body apparatuses 2 of the same kind with a predetermined | prescribed communication system (For example, communication by an original protocol, infrared communication) as a 2nd communication mode. The wireless communication according to the second communication mode can be wirelessly communicated with other main body devices 2 arranged in the closed local network area, and directly communicates between the plurality of main body devices 2. This realizes a function that enables so-called “local communication” in which data is transmitted and received.

  The main device 2 includes a controller communication unit 83. The controller communication unit 83 is connected to the processor 81. The controller communication unit 83 performs wireless communication with the left controller 3 and / or the right controller 4. The communication method between the main device 2 and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, the controller communication unit 83 communicates with the left controller 3 and between the right controller 4 and the Bluetooth ( Performs communication according to the registered trademark standard.

  The processor 81 is connected to the left terminal 17, the right terminal 21, and the lower terminal 27 described above. When performing wired communication with the left controller 3, the processor 81 transmits data to the left controller 3 through the left terminal 17 and receives operation data from the left controller 3 through the left terminal 17. Further, when performing wired communication with the right controller 4, the processor 81 transmits data to the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21 and receives operation data from the right controller 4 via the right terminal 21. Further, the processor 81 transmits data to the cradle via the lower terminal 27 when communicating with the cradle. Thus, in the present embodiment, the main device 2 can perform both wired communication and wireless communication with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively. When the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are mounted on the main body device 2 or the single body device 2 is mounted on the cradle, the main body device 2 receives data (for example, image data or sound) via the cradle. Data) can be output to a stationary monitor or the like.

  Here, the main device 2 can perform communication simultaneously with the plurality of left controllers 3 (in other words, in parallel). Further, the main body device 2 can perform communication simultaneously with the plurality of right controllers 4 (in other words, in parallel). Accordingly, a plurality of users can simultaneously input to the main device 2 using the set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 respectively. As an example, the first user performs input to the main body device 2 using the first set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, and at the same time, the second user uses the second set of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. Thus, it becomes possible to input to the main device 2.

  The main device 2 includes a touch panel controller 86 that is a circuit that controls the touch panel 13. The touch panel controller 86 is connected between the touch panel 13 and the processor 81. The touch panel controller 86 generates data indicating, for example, a position where touch input is performed based on a signal from the touch panel 13 and outputs the data to the processor 81.

  The display 12 is connected to the processor 81. The processor 81 displays the generated image and / or the image acquired from the outside (for example, by executing the above information processing) on the display 12.

  The main device 2 includes a codec circuit 87 and a speaker (specifically, a left speaker and a right speaker) 88. The codec circuit 87 is connected to the speaker 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25 and to the processor 81. The codec circuit 87 is a circuit that controls input / output of audio data to / from the speaker 88 and the audio input / output terminal 25.

  The main body device 2 includes an acceleration sensor 89. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 89 detects the magnitude of acceleration along predetermined three axis directions (for example, the xyz axis shown in FIG. 1). Note that the acceleration sensor 89 may detect an acceleration in a uniaxial direction or a biaxial direction.

  The main body device 2 includes an angular velocity sensor 90. In the present embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 90 detects angular velocities about predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axis shown in FIG. 1). Note that the angular velocity sensor 90 may detect an angular velocity around one axis or around two axes.

  The acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are connected to the processor 81, and the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90 are output to the processor 81. The processor 81 can calculate information related to the movement and / or posture of the main device 2 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor 89 and the angular velocity sensor 90.

  The main device 2 includes a power control unit 97 and a battery 98. The power control unit 97 is connected to the battery 98 and the processor 81. Although not shown, the power control unit 97 is connected to each part of the main body device 2 (specifically, each part that receives power supply from the battery 98, the left terminal 17, and the right terminal 21). The power control unit 97 controls power supply from the battery 98 to each of the above parts based on a command from the processor 81.

  The battery 98 is connected to the lower terminal 27. When an external charging device (for example, a cradle) is connected to the lower terminal 27 and electric power is supplied to the main body device 2 via the lower terminal 27, the supplied electric power is charged to the battery 98.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the main body device 2, the left controller 3, and the right controller 4. The details of the internal configuration related to the main unit 2 are shown in FIG. 6 and are not shown in FIG.

  The left controller 3 includes a communication control unit 101 that performs communication with the main device 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the communication control unit 101 is connected to each component including the terminal 42. In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 101 can communicate with the main device 2 by both wired communication via the terminal 42 and wireless communication not via the terminal 42. The communication control unit 101 controls a communication method performed by the left controller 3 for the main body device 2. That is, when the left controller 3 is attached to the main body device 2, the communication control unit 101 communicates with the main body device 2 via the terminal 42. Further, when the left controller 3 is disconnected from the main body device 2, the communication control unit 101 performs wireless communication with the main body device 2 (specifically, the controller communication unit 83). Wireless communication between the controller communication unit 83 and the communication control unit 101 is performed, for example, according to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

  The left controller 3 includes a memory 102 such as a flash memory. The communication control unit 101 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer (also referred to as a microprocessor), and executes various processes by executing firmware stored in the memory 102.

  The left controller 3 includes buttons 103 (specifically, buttons 33 to 39, 43, 44, and 47). The left controller 3 includes an analog stick 32 (described as “stick” in FIG. 7). Each button 103 and the analog stick 32 repeatedly outputs information related to operations performed on itself to the communication control unit 101 at an appropriate timing.

  The left controller 3 includes an inertial sensor. Specifically, the left controller 3 includes an acceleration sensor 104. The left controller 3 includes an angular velocity sensor 105. In the present embodiment, the acceleration sensor 104 detects the magnitude of acceleration along predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axis shown in FIG. 4). Note that the acceleration sensor 104 may detect an acceleration in a uniaxial direction or a biaxial direction. In the present embodiment, the angular velocity sensor 105 detects angular velocities about predetermined three axes (for example, the xyz axis shown in FIG. 4). The angular velocity sensor 105 may detect an angular velocity around one axis or around two axes. The acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are each connected to the communication control unit 101. The detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105 are repeatedly output to the communication control unit 101 at appropriate timing.

  The communication control unit 101 receives information related to input (specifically, information related to an operation or a detection result by a sensor) from each input unit (specifically, each button 103, analog stick 32, and each sensor 104 and 105). To get. The communication control unit 101 transmits operation data including the acquired information (or information obtained by performing predetermined processing on the acquired information) to the main body device 2. The operation data is repeatedly transmitted at a rate of once every predetermined time. Note that the interval at which the information related to the input is transmitted to the main device 2 may or may not be the same for each input unit.

  By transmitting the operation data to the main device 2, the main device 2 can obtain an input made to the left controller 3. That is, the main body device 2 can determine the operation on each button 103 and the analog stick 32 based on the operation data. Further, the main device 2 can calculate information related to the movement and / or posture of the left controller 3 based on operation data (specifically, detection results of the acceleration sensor 104 and the angular velocity sensor 105).

  The left controller 3 includes a vibrator 107 for notifying the user by vibration. In the present embodiment, the vibrator 107 is controlled by a command from the main device 2. That is, when the communication control unit 101 receives the command from the main device 2, the communication control unit 101 drives the vibrator 107 according to the command. Here, the left controller 3 includes a codec unit 106. Upon receiving the command, the communication control unit 101 outputs a control signal corresponding to the command to the codec unit 106. The codec unit 106 generates a drive signal for driving the vibrator 107 from the control signal from the communication control unit 101 and supplies the drive signal to the vibrator 107. As a result, the vibrator 107 operates.

  More specifically, the vibrator 107 is a linear vibration motor. Since a linear vibration motor is driven in a predetermined direction in accordance with an input voltage, unlike a normal motor that rotates, the linear vibration motor can be vibrated with an amplitude and a frequency in accordance with the waveform of the input voltage. In the present embodiment, the vibration control signal transmitted from the main device 2 to the left controller 3 may be a digital signal that represents a frequency and an amplitude for each unit time. In another embodiment, information indicating the waveform itself may be transmitted from the main device 2, but the amount of communication data can be reduced by transmitting only the amplitude and frequency. In order to further reduce the data amount, only the difference from the previous value may be transmitted instead of the numerical values of the amplitude and frequency at that time. In this case, the codec unit 106 converts the digital signal indicating the amplitude and frequency values acquired from the communication control unit 101 into an analog voltage waveform, and inputs the voltage in accordance with the waveform, thereby causing the vibrator 107 to operate. Drive. Therefore, the main body device 2 can control the amplitude and frequency at which the vibrator 107 is vibrated at that time by changing the amplitude and frequency to be transmitted every unit time. The amplitude and frequency transmitted from the main device 2 to the left controller 3 are not limited to one, and two or more may be transmitted. In that case, the codec unit 106 can generate a waveform of a voltage for controlling the vibrator 107 by synthesizing the waveforms indicated by the received plurality of amplitudes and frequencies.

  The left controller 3 includes a power supply unit 108. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 108 includes a battery and a power control circuit. Although not shown, the power control circuit is connected to the battery and is connected to each part of the left controller 3 (specifically, each part that receives power from the battery).

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the right controller 4 includes a communication control unit 111 that performs communication with the main body device 2. The right controller 4 includes a memory 112 connected to the communication control unit 111. The communication control unit 111 is connected to each component including the terminal 64. The communication control unit 111 and the memory 112 have the same functions as the communication control unit 101 and the memory 102 of the left controller 3. Therefore, the communication control unit 111 communicates with the main body device 2 both in wired communication via the terminal 64 and wireless communication not through the terminal 64 (specifically, communication in accordance with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard). Communication is possible, and the right controller 4 controls a communication method performed with respect to the main body device 2.

  The right controller 4 includes input units similar to the input units of the left controller 3. Specifically, each button 113, the analog stick 52, and an inertial sensor (acceleration sensor 114 and angular velocity sensor 115) are provided. Each of these input units has the same function as each input unit of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner.

  The right controller 4 includes a vibrator 117 and a codec unit 116. The vibrator 117 and the codec unit 116 operate in the same manner as the vibrator 107 and the codec unit 106 of the left controller 3. That is, the communication control unit 111 operates the vibrator 117 using the codec unit 116 in accordance with a command from the main body device 2.

  The right controller 4 includes a processing unit 121. The processing unit 121 is connected to the communication control unit 111.

  The right controller 4 includes a power supply unit 118. The power supply unit 118 has the same function as the power supply unit 108 of the left controller 3 and operates in the same manner.

  Next, the game performed in the game system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. In the present embodiment, the player plays the game by holding the left controller 3 with the left hand and holding the right controller 4 with the right hand. Note that the game may be played in a state where the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are separated from the main body device 2, or the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are attached to the main body device 2 as shown in FIG. The game may be played in the state.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the game system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, main device 2 includes a character control unit 200, an image generation unit 201, and a vibration control unit 202. The processor 81 of the main device 2 functions as a character control unit 200, an image generation unit 201, and a vibration control unit 202 by executing a predetermined game program. For example, the predetermined game program may be stored in an external storage medium attached to the slot 23, may be stored in the flash memory 84, or may be acquired from the outside via a network.

  The character control unit 200 operates data corresponding to the player's operations performed on the buttons 103 and 113 and the analog sticks (hereinafter simply referred to as “sticks”) 32 and 52 of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. To get. The character control unit 200 controls the operation target (player character) based on the acquired operation data. For example, the character control unit 200 moves the player character in the virtual space in response to an operation on the stick 32 of the left controller 3. Further, the character control unit 200 causes the player character to jump in the virtual space in accordance with, for example, an operation on each button 113 (for example, the A button 53) of the right controller 4.

  The image generation unit 201 generates an image of a virtual space including an operation target operated by the player using a virtual camera arranged in the virtual space. The image generation unit 201 generates a virtual space image at a predetermined time interval (for example, 1/60 second interval). The image generated by the image generation unit 201 is output to the display 12 and displayed. As the images are generated at predetermined time intervals by the image generation unit 201, an animation in which the player character moves or jumps is displayed on the display 12. The image generated by the image generation unit 201 may be displayed on an external display device (for example, a television receiver) different from the display 12.

  The vibration control unit 202 generates a vibration control signal for controlling the vibration of the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4. Then, the vibration control unit 202 outputs the generated vibration control signal to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. The vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 vibrate with strength based on the vibration control signal.

  Specifically, the vibration control unit 202 generates a vibration control signal when the player character controlled by the character control unit 200 is in contact with the ground object in the virtual space. On the other hand, the vibration control unit 202 does not generate a vibration control signal when the player character is not in contact with the ground object in the virtual space.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual space when the game of the present embodiment is performed. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the player character P performs a jump motion in the virtual space.

  As shown in FIG. 9, an XYZ coordinate system is defined in the virtual space. For example, the X axis is an axis extending in the right direction of the virtual space, the Y axis is an axis extending in the height direction of the virtual space, and the Z axis is an axis extending in the depth direction of the virtual space.

  In the virtual space, a player character P, a ground object G, and a vibration object VS as a vibration source are arranged. A virtual camera is arranged in the virtual space. The virtual camera is fixed at a position where the entire ground object G is viewed obliquely from above. While the game according to the present embodiment is being played, an image as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display 12 (or another display device may be used).

  For example, the ground object G is a plane parallel to the XZ plane. The ground object G may be formed by a curved surface. The ground object G may have undulations. Other objects may be arranged on the ground object G.

  The player character P moves in the virtual space by walking or running on the ground object G based on an operation on the stick 32 of the left controller 3. As shown in FIG. 10, the player character P performs a jump action in the virtual space in response to an operation on the A button 53 of the right controller 4. Virtual gravity acts on the virtual space in the negative Y-axis direction. When the player character P performs a jump action on the ground object G, the player character P moves upward in the virtual space, temporarily leaves the ground object G, and again after the predetermined time has elapsed due to the action of virtual gravity. Fall on G.

  The vibration object VS is an object for generating vibration. The vibration object VS is buried under the ground object G. Therefore, the vibration object VS is not displayed on the screen of the display 12. In the game of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the vibration object VS always vibrates virtually, and the ground object G vibrates virtually due to the vibration object VS. The player perceives this virtual vibration with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4.

  Specifically, when the player character P is in contact with the ground object G, the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 vibrate. Thereby, the player perceives the vibration of the virtual vibration object VS with both hands.

  In the game of the present embodiment, the strength of vibration of the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 is controlled according to the positional relationship between the player character P and the vibration object VS. For example, when the player character P is in contact with the ground object G and the vibration object VS is present on the left side of the player character P, the vibrator 107 so that the left controller 3 vibrates more strongly than the right controller 4. And 117 vibrate. Further, when the player character P is in contact with the ground object G and the vibration object VS is present on the right side of the player character P, the vibrator 107 so that the right controller 4 vibrates more strongly than the left controller 3. And 117 vibrate. When the player character P is positioned on a straight line passing through the vibration object VS and parallel to the Z-axis (that is, when the vibration object VS is not shifted in the left-right direction with respect to the player character P), the left controller 3 and The right controller 4 vibrates with the same strength.

  Further, the strength of vibration of the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 is controlled according to the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS. Specifically, the closer the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS, the stronger the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 vibrate. When the player character P exists right above the vibration object VS, the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 vibrate most strongly, and the vibration strength of the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 becomes equal.

  The player feels the vibrations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 and estimates the position of the vibration object VS. For example, when the left controller 3 vibrates more strongly than the right controller 4, the player can estimate that the vibrating object VS is buried on the left side of the player character P. When the vibrations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are weak, the player can estimate that the vibration object VS is away from the player character P.

  In this way, the player estimates the position of the vibrating object VS from the vibration intensity and the balance of the left and right controllers 3 and 4, moves the player character P to the estimated position, and performs a specific operation (for example, A The operation of pressing the button 53 and pressing the ZR button 61 is performed. When the vibration object VS exists under the estimated position, the player character P can obtain a predetermined item.

  Here, for example, when the player character P performs a jump motion in the virtual space by pressing the A button 53 by the player, the player character P temporarily leaves the ground object G. While the player character P is temporarily away from the ground object G, the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 do not vibrate.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the timing of the jump motion of the player character P and the vibrations of the vibrators 107 and 117.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the player character P is in contact with the ground object without performing the jump motion, the vibrators 107 and 117 vibrate (time points T0 to T1). Note that the vibration strength (amplitude) of the vibrators 107 and 117 varies depending on the distance between the vibration object VS and the player character P. The shorter the distance between the vibration object VS and the player character P, the stronger the vibrators 107 and 117 vibrate. Even when the player character P is in contact with the ground object G, the vibrators 107 and 117 do not vibrate if the distance between the vibration object VS and the player character P is more than a predetermined distance.

  Here, it is assumed that the player character P performs a jump action in response to the player's operation at time T1. When the player character P performs a jump action, the player character P temporarily does not come into contact with the ground object G (time points T1 to T2). During this time T1 to T2, the vibrations of the vibrators 107 and 117 are stopped.

  Then, when the player character P comes into contact with the ground object G again at time T2, the vibrators 107 and 117 also vibrate again. After time T2, the player character P continues to be in contact with the ground object G. Therefore, the vibrators 107 and 117 continuously vibrate unless the distance between the vibration object VS and the player character P exceeds a predetermined value. To do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the player character P temporarily moves away from the ground object G by performing the jump motion, the vibrations of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are temporarily stopped. Thereby, the player can recognize that the ground object G (specifically, the vibration object VS buried under the ground object G) is vibrating.

  Note that vibrations caused by the vibration object VS (hereinafter referred to as “first vibration”) and vibrations caused by other objects other than the vibration object VS may occur simultaneously. For example, when the player character P possesses an item that vibrates or rides on a vehicle object that vibrates, vibration caused by the item or the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “second vibration”) occurs. When the player character P has a vibrating item or is on a vibrating vehicle object and is in contact with the ground object G, the first vibration and the second vibration are generated simultaneously. To do.

  When the first vibration and the second vibration occur at the same time, a combined vibration obtained by combining the first vibration and the second vibration is perceived by the player. In this case, when the player character P performs a jump action, the player character P does not come into contact with the ground object G, so the first vibration is temporarily stopped. On the other hand, even when the player character P does not come into contact with the ground object G by performing a jump action, the item and the vehicle object are in contact with the player character P, so the second vibration is continuously performed. . Therefore, when the player character P is in contact with the ground object G, the player perceives a combined vibration obtained by combining the first vibration and the second vibration, and while the player character P is performing a jump motion. Perceives only the second vibration. When the player character P comes into contact with the ground object G again, the player perceives the combined vibration.

  Note that the synthesis of a plurality of vibrations may be performed according to the principle of wave superposition, for example. Further, the synthesis of the plurality of vibrations may be performed by other methods. For example, when two vibration waveforms V1 and V2 are combined, the amplitude value of the combined waveform may be obtained by adding the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V1 and the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V2 at that moment. Further, the frequency of the composite waveform may be obtained by averaging the frequency of the vibration waveform V1 and the frequency of the vibration waveform V2 at that moment.

  The plurality of vibrations may be combined by using a waveform having a larger amplitude at the moment among the plurality of waveforms. For example, when two vibration waveforms V1 and V2 are combined, if the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V1 at that moment is larger than the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V2, the combined waveform may be the vibration waveform V1. Further, when the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V2 at another moment is larger than the amplitude value of the vibration waveform V1, the combined waveform may be the vibration waveform V2.

  Next, specific control of the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 and the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the vibration control according to the positional relationship between the player character P and the vibration object VS. FIG. 12 shows a view of the virtual space as viewed from above.

  The main body device 2 stores vibration pattern data corresponding to the vibration object VS in advance, and the frequency and amplitude are calculated based on the vibration pattern data. By adjusting the amplitude based on the vibration pattern data, the vibration strengths of the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 are calculated.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, first, a vector Ve from the position of the player character P toward the position of the vibration object VS is calculated, and the magnitude of the vector Ve (the relationship between the player character P and the vibration object VS). Distance) is calculated. By adjusting the amplitude based on the vibration pattern data based on the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS, the “reference vibration intensity (amplitude)” of the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 is obtained.

  For example, the “reference vibration strength” is determined by multiplying the amplitude based on the vibration pattern data by a coefficient corresponding to the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS. The “reference vibration strength” is determined in a range of 0 to 1, for example, and increases as the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS is shorter. For example, the reference vibration strength may be reduced linearly as the distance increases. Further, the reference vibration strength may be changed in inverse proportion to the distance. In addition, when the distance is within the predetermined range, the reference vibration strength may be fixed, and when the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, it may be decreased as the distance becomes longer. The relationship between the distance and the reference vibration strength may be determined based on any other function.

  When “reference vibration strength” is obtained, the balance of the vibration strengths of the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 is determined. Specifically, in the virtual space, reference points L and R are set on a straight line passing through the position of the player character P and parallel to the X axis. An angle θL formed by a vector from the position of the player character P toward the reference point L and the vector Ve is calculated, and an attenuation coefficient CL is calculated based on the angle θL. The attenuation coefficient CL is calculated in the range of 0 to 1, for example. For example, the attenuation coefficient CL is set to “1” when the angle θL is in the range of 0 ° to 90 °, becomes smaller than “1” when the angle θL exceeds 90 °, and is “0” when the angle θL is 180 °. May be set. For example, the attenuation coefficient CL may change linearly from 1 to 0 as the angle θL changes from 0 ° to 180 °. Then, by multiplying the “reference vibration strength” determined according to the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS by the attenuation coefficient CL calculated based on the angle θL, the vibration strength of the vibrator 107 is increased. The amplitude (amplitude) is determined.

  The same applies to the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4. The vibration strength of the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 is determined based on an angle θR formed by a vector from the position of the player character P toward the reference point R and the vector Ve. Specifically, an attenuation coefficient CR (for example, a range of 0 to 1) is calculated based on the angle θR, and “reference vibration intensity” determined according to the distance between the player character P and the vibration object VS. Is multiplied by the attenuation coefficient CR to determine the vibration strength (amplitude) of the vibrator 117.

  For example, when the angle θL and the angle θR are equal (that is, 90 °), the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 have the same vibration strength. When the angle θL is smaller than 90 ° and the angle θR is larger than 90 °, the vibrator 107 vibrates more strongly than the vibrator 117.

  In the above embodiment, the virtual camera is fixed in the virtual space. However, the position and orientation of the virtual camera may be changed according to the operation of the player or automatically by the program. In this case, the angles θL and θR may change according to the orientation of the virtual camera. For example, when a fixed camera coordinate system is set for the virtual camera and the Xc axis of the camera coordinate system is set to the right of the virtual camera, on a straight line parallel to the Xc axis and passing through the position of the player character P, The reference points L and R may be set. Then, the angles θL and θR may be calculated based on the reference points L and R, and the vibration strengths of the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 may be calculated.

  A first vibration control signal including the frequency calculated in this way and the vibration strength (amplitude) of the vibrator 107 is generated and output to the left controller 3. Similarly, a second vibration control signal including the calculated frequency and the vibration strength (amplitude) of the vibrator 117 is generated and output to the right controller 4.

  When the player character P is in contact with the ground object G, the first vibration control signal and the second vibration control signal are generated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 5 milliseconds), and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 respectively. Accordingly, the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 vibrate with a waveform corresponding to the vibration pattern data, and vibrate with a strength corresponding to the positional relationship between the player character P and the vibration object VS. While the player character P is in contact with the ground object G, the vibration waveform based on the vibration pattern data is repeatedly reproduced.

  On the other hand, when the player character P temporarily stops contact with the ground object G by performing a jump action, generation and output of the vibration control signal is temporarily stopped. For this reason, the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117 do not vibrate. Even when the vibration waveform based on the vibration pattern data stored in advance is being reproduced, the generation and output of the vibration control signal is stopped when the player character P stops contacting the ground object G. And generation | occurrence | production and output of a vibration control signal are restarted at the timing which the player character P contacts the ground object G again. In this case, the vibration pattern data (file) may be reproduced from the beginning, or may be reproduced from the middle (reproduction is resumed from the moment when it is temporarily stopped).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the player character P temporarily stops contact with the ground object G by performing a jump action, the first vibration control signal and the second vibration control signal are generated and Output is temporarily stopped. That is, the vibration generated by the contact with the ground object G (vibration caused by the vibration object VS) is temporarily stopped. Thereby, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 do not vibrate temporarily. Therefore, the player can easily recognize that the ground object G is vibrating by causing the player character P to perform a jump motion. Even when the vibration caused by the vibration object VS and other vibrations occur simultaneously, the player character P performs a jump action, so that the vibration caused by the vibration object VS temporarily stops. Can feel the vibration change. For this reason, the player can recognize that the ground object G is vibrating by causing the player character P to perform a jump motion. In addition, it is possible to recognize at which position in the virtual space the vibration source exists based on the balance of the vibration intensity of the left and right controllers 3 and 4.

(Details of processing)
Next, details of processing performed in the main device 2 of the game system 1 will be described. First, data stored in the main device 2 will be described, and then information processing performed in the main device 2 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the main device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the main body device 2 includes a game program D101, operation data D102, character data D103, vibration object data D104, ground object data D105, left vibration control signal D106, and right vibration. A control signal D107 is stored. The main device 2 stores various data and programs other than those shown in FIG.

  The game program D101 is a program for executing the above-described game.

  The operation data D102 is data corresponding to an operation performed on the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, and is transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4. In the present embodiment, the main unit 2 communicates with the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 at predetermined time intervals (for example, at intervals of 1/200 seconds). In the communication, operation data is transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 to the main body device 2. In this communication, a left vibration control signal D106 and a right vibration control signal D107 are transmitted from the main body device 2 to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4, respectively.

  The character data D103 is data relating to the position, orientation, movement speed, movement direction, jump direction, jump speed, and the like of the player character P.

  The vibration object data D104 is data including information regarding the position of the vibration object VS arranged in the virtual space. The vibration object data D104 includes vibration pattern data (data indicating a vibration waveform) corresponding to the vibration object VS.

  The ground object data D105 is data (position, polygon data, texture data, etc.) regarding the ground object G arranged in the virtual space.

  The left vibration control signal D106 is data indicating a first vibration control signal for vibrating the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3, and includes a frequency and an amplitude. The right vibration control signal D107 is data indicating a second vibration control signal for vibrating the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4, and includes a frequency and an amplitude.

  Next, details of processing performed in the main device 2 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of processing performed in the main device 2 when the game according to the present embodiment is executed. The process shown in FIG. 14 is performed by the processor 81 of the main device 2 executing the game program D101 (information processing program).

  As shown in FIG. 14, the processor 81 of the main device 2 (hereinafter, simply “main device 2”) first performs an initial setting (step S1). Specifically, the main device 2 sets a virtual space, and places the ground object G, the vibration object VS, and the player character P in the virtual space. In addition, the main device 2 sets a virtual camera at a predetermined position in the virtual space. After the process of step S1, the main device 2 repeatedly executes the processes of step S2 to step S12 at intervals of 1/60 seconds (referred to as one frame time), for example.

  Subsequent to step S1, the main device 2 acquires operation data transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (step S2). Specifically, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 transmit operation data corresponding to the operation to the main body device 2 at a predetermined time interval (for example, an interval of 1/200 second). The main device 2 temporarily stores the operation data transmitted from the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 in the DRAM 85. In step S2, the main device 2 acquires operation data stored in the DRAM 85.

  Next, the main device 2 moves the player character P in the virtual space based on the acquired operation data (step S3). For example, when the stick 32 of the left controller 3 is operated, the main device 2 moves the player character P in the virtual space in a direction corresponding to the operation direction of the stick 32 and updates the position and orientation of the player character P. For example, when an operation button (for example, A button 53) of the right controller 4 is pressed, the main body device 2 causes the player character P to perform a jump action in the virtual space, and updates the position and orientation of the player character P. To do.

  Specifically, virtual gravity acts on the virtual space, and the main body device 2 updates the position of the player character P based on the virtual gravity and the movement state of the player character P. When the player character P does not perform a jump action, the Y coordinate value of the player character P is “0”. When the player character P performs a jump motion, the main device 2 determines the position (X coordinate value, Y coordinate value, Z coordinate) of the player character P in the current frame based on the jump speed and jump direction and the virtual gravity. (Coordinate value) is calculated. There may be a plurality of modes for the jumping motion of the player character P. Depending on the mode of the jump action, the jump speed and the jump direction may be different, and the time from when the player character P leaves the ground object G until it falls to the ground object G again may be different. The main device 2 stores the updated position and orientation of the player character P as character data D103.

  Subsequent to step S3, the main device 2 calculates the distance between the vibration object VS and the player character P (step S4). Next, the main device 2 determines whether or not the distance calculated in step S4 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold (step S5).

  When it is determined that the distance is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold (step S5: YES), the main body device 2 determines whether or not the player character P is in contact with the ground object G (step S6). Specifically, the main body device 2 determines the collision between the polygon of the ground object G and the polygon of the player character P based on the position of the player character P and the position of the ground object G. Note that it may be determined whether or not the player character P is in contact with the ground object G based on the position of the player character P in the Y-axis direction.

  Even when the player character P performs a jump action, for example, if an object that hinders the jump action exists above the player character P, the player character P does not move away from the ground object G. In this case, in step S6, it is determined that the player character P is in contact with the ground object G.

  When it is determined that the player character P is in contact with the ground object G (step S6: YES), the main body device 2 calculates a reference vibration strength based on the distance calculated in step S4 (step S7). ). Specifically, the main device 2 calculates the frequency F and the amplitude A based on vibration pattern data corresponding to the vibration object VS. Then, the main device 2 calculates the reference vibration strength A ′ by decreasing the calculated amplitude A according to the distance calculated in step S4.

  Subsequent to step S7, the main device 2 calculates the angle θL and the angle θR (step S8). Specifically, the main body device 2 calculates the angle θL formed by the vector in the negative X-axis direction of the virtual space and the vector Ve from the player character P toward the vibration object VS. Further, the main body device 2 calculates an angle θR formed by the vector in the positive X-axis direction of the virtual space and the vector Ve from the player character P toward the vibration object VS.

  Next, the main device 2 calculates the vibration strength of the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 (step S9). Specifically, the main body device 2 calculates the amplitude of the vibrator 107 of the left controller 3 based on the reference vibration intensity calculated in step S7 and the angle θL calculated in step S8. Further, the main device 2 calculates the amplitude of the vibrator 117 of the right controller 4 based on the reference vibration intensity calculated in step S7 and the angle θR calculated in step S8.

  Next, the main body device 2 generates a vibration control signal to be output to the left and right controllers (step S10). Specifically, the main device 2 generates a first vibration control signal including the frequency F calculated in step S7 and the amplitude of the vibrator 107 calculated in step S9, and stores it as the left vibration control signal D106. . The main device 2 generates a second vibration control signal including the frequency F calculated in step S7 and the amplitude of the vibrator 117 calculated in step S9, and stores the second vibration control signal as the right vibration control signal D107. The left vibration control signal D106 and the right vibration control signal D107 are output from the main body device 2 to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 in communication between the main body device 2 and the controllers (3 and 4), respectively.

  When the process of step S10 is performed, when it is determined NO in step S5, or when it is determined NO in step S6, the main body device 2 generates an image of the virtual space based on the virtual camera, and the generated image Is output to the display 12 (step S11).

  Thus, when it determines with the player character P not contacting the ground object G (step S6: NO), the main body apparatus 2 does not perform the process of step S7-step S10. Therefore, while the player character P is not in contact with the ground object G, the first vibration control signal and the second vibration control signal are not generated, and the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 do not vibrate.

  Subsequent to step S11, the main device 2 determines whether or not to end the process shown in FIG. 14 (step S12). For example, when the position of the vibration object VS matches the position of the player character P and the player performs a specific operation, the main body device 2 displays an image in which the player character P has acquired a predetermined item. Then, the process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S12 that the process shown in FIG. 14 is not ended, the main device 2 executes the process of step S2 again. This is the end of the description of FIG.

  Note that the processing shown in FIG. 14 is merely an example. For example, the order of the steps may be changed, other steps may be added, or some of the steps may be omitted. Further, the numerical values used in each process are merely examples, and other values may be used.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operation target (player character) operated by the player (user) is in contact with the predetermined surface (ground object) of the virtual space, the vibration unit (vibrators 107 and 117). ). When an operation in which the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface (jump operation) is performed according to the operation of the player, the vibration unit is not vibrated when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation.

  In the present embodiment, assuming that the predetermined surface is constantly vibrating, the vibration is stopped when the operation target is temporarily separated from the predetermined surface, so that the player is vibrated by being in contact with the predetermined surface. It can be easily recognized that the vibration has occurred, and the vibration source can be easily identified.

  For example, when the controller vibrates, it may be difficult for the player to understand what causes the controller to vibrate. In particular, when various vibrations occur due to various causes, it is difficult for the player to recognize what caused the vibrations. For example, assuming a game in which vibration is generated by a predetermined operation of the player or there are a plurality of objects in the virtual space and vibration is generated due to each object, the player vibrates by the operation. It is difficult to recognize whether the vibration has occurred or which of the plurality of objects has caused the vibration. Further, when the player character is moving on a relatively wide surface, if vibration is generated, the vibration is continuously performed, so that it is difficult for the player to recognize what causes the controller to vibrate. .

  In the present embodiment, when the player character is in contact with the predetermined plane, vibration is generated, and when the player character is temporarily separated from the predetermined plane, the vibration is temporarily stopped. Can be easily recognized.

  In addition, since the vibration is generated when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the player can feel as if he / she is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, thereby enhancing the realistic sensation of the game. .

(Modification)
Although the present embodiment has been described above, other embodiments may be configured as follows.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the generation and output of the vibration control signal are temporarily stopped, so that the vibrators 107 and 117 are not temporarily vibrated. In another embodiment, a vibration control signal having an amplitude of “0” or approximately zero may be generated and output to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 so that the vibrators 107 and 117 are not temporarily vibrated. .

  In the above embodiment, the vibration is generated when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface. However, the operation target is not limited to the case where the operation target is completely in contact with the predetermined surface. The vibration may be generated even when it is in a floating state. In this case, the vibration is stopped when the operation object moves away from the predetermined surface. That is, when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface (when the operation target is completely in contact with the predetermined surface or when the operation target is slightly lifted), vibration is generated and the operation target is set to the predetermined surface. When the operation of moving away from is performed, vibration may not be generated.

  In the above embodiment, the ground of the virtual space vibrates. However, in another embodiment, an arbitrary object may vibrate. In this case, when the player character is in contact with a predetermined surface (a surface forming a part or all of the object, which may be a curved surface or a flat surface) forming the object, the left and right controllers 3 , 4 are vibrated. On the other hand, when the player character is not in contact with a predetermined surface forming the object, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 are not vibrated. For example, the above game may be played on the assumption that a wall object (or another object embedded in the wall object) vibrates. Further, when the player character is on the vehicle object, the vehicle object may be a vibration source. In this case, when the player character is in contact with a predetermined plane on which the vehicle object is formed, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 are vibrated, and the player character is temporarily separated from the predetermined plane on which the vehicle object is formed (for example, The left and right controllers 3 and 4 may not be vibrated when they are temporarily separated from the vehicle object by a jump action.

  In the above embodiment, the two controllers 3 and 4 are vibrated. However, the number of vibrated controllers may be one, or may be three or more.

  In the above embodiment, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are detachable from the main body device 2. In another embodiment, the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 may be configured integrally with the main body device 2 so as not to be separated from the main body device 2.

  One operating device in which the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are integrated may be used. In this case, the controller device may have a left part and a right part, a vibrator is provided on the left part, a vibrator is provided on the right part, and these two vibrators may be vibrated. Further, one vibrator may be provided inside the controller device, and the one vibrator may be vibrated.

  In the above embodiment, the processor 81 of the main device 2 functions as the character control unit 200, the image generation unit 201, and the vibration control unit 202. In another embodiment, at least one processor included in the game system 1 may function as the character control unit 200, the image generation unit 201, and the vibration control unit 202. For example, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 may function as the vibration control unit 202. For example, based on a command from the main body device 2, the left and right controllers 3 and 4 generate vibration control signals for vibrating the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117, and output the vibration control signal to the vibrator 107 and the vibrator 117. Also good.

  A plurality of devices may be connected via a network (for example, the Internet or a LAN), and the above-described game may be played in an information processing system including a plurality of devices connected via a network. For example, a terminal and a server may be connected via the Internet, and the system may be configured by the terminal and the server. In this case, for example, an operation device and a display device corresponding to the left controller 3 and the right controller 4 are arranged on the terminal side, and a character control unit 200, an image generation unit 201, and a vibration control unit 202 are arranged on the server side. It may be arranged. The terminal transmits operation data corresponding to the operation of the operation device by the player to the server. The server generates an image by controlling a player character or the like based on the operation data, and generates a vibration control signal according to whether or not the player character is in contact with a predetermined surface. To the terminal. The terminal receives the image and the vibration control signal from the server, displays the image on the display device, and vibrates the operating device.

  Further, the above-described game may be performed in another system (or apparatus). For example, the other system (or device) may be a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. Further, in the game system 1 or another system, an application other than the game may be executed.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated, the said description is only the illustration of this invention, and various improvement and deformation | transformation may be added.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game system 2 Main body apparatus 3 Left controller 4 Right controller 32 Stick 52 Stick 107 Vibrator 117 Vibrator 117 Vibrator 200 Character control part 201 Image generation part 202 Vibration control part P Player character G Ground object VS Vibration object

Claims (24)

A game program executed on a computer of an information processing apparatus,
The operation target is controlled in the virtual space based on a player's operation, and when the predetermined operation is performed when the operation target is in contact with a predetermined surface in the virtual space, the operation target is An operation object control step for causing the operation object to perform an operation of moving away from the surface;
When a predetermined vibration unit is controlled to perform a predetermined vibration when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, and the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation And a vibration control step for performing control so as not to perform the predetermined vibration. The vibration control step includes
Based on a predetermined game process, further controlling the vibration unit to perform a second vibration different from the predetermined vibration,
When causing the vibration unit to vibrate the second vibration,
When the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the vibration unit is controlled to perform the predetermined vibration and the second vibration, and when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation The game program according to claim 1, wherein the vibration unit is controlled to perform the second vibration without performing the predetermined vibration.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined surface is a ground set in the virtual space.   The game program according to claim 1, wherein the movement away from the predetermined plane is a jump movement of the operation target.   5. The game program according to claim 1, wherein in the vibration control step, the vibration unit is vibrated with a strength corresponding to a position of the operation target in the virtual space. The vibration unit includes a first vibration unit and a second vibration unit,
The game program according to claim 5, wherein in the vibration control step, the vibration intensity of each of the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit is controlled according to the position of the operation target. The operation target is controlled in the virtual space based on a player's operation, and when the predetermined operation is performed when the operation target is in contact with a predetermined surface in the virtual space, the operation target is An operation target control unit that causes the operation target to perform an operation away from the surface;
When a predetermined vibration unit is controlled to perform a predetermined vibration when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, and the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation A vibration control unit that controls the predetermined vibration not to occur. The vibration control unit
Based on a predetermined game process, further controlling the vibration unit to perform a second vibration different from the predetermined vibration,
When causing the vibration unit to vibrate the second vibration,
When the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the vibration unit is controlled to perform the predetermined vibration and the second vibration, and when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the vibration unit performs control so as to perform the second vibration without performing the predetermined vibration.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined surface is a ground set in the virtual space.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the movement away from the predetermined plane is a jump movement of the operation target.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the vibration control unit vibrates the vibration unit with a strength corresponding to a position of the operation target in the virtual space. The vibration unit includes a first vibration unit and a second vibration unit,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the vibration control unit controls the strength of vibration of each of the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit according to a position of the operation target. A predetermined vibration part;
The operation target is controlled in the virtual space based on a player's operation, and when the predetermined operation is performed when the operation target is in contact with a predetermined surface in the virtual space, the operation target is An operation target control unit that causes the operation target to perform an operation away from the surface;
When the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, the vibration unit is controlled to perform predetermined vibration, and when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation An information processing system comprising: a vibration control unit that controls the predetermined vibration not to occur. The vibration control unit
Based on a predetermined game process, further controlling the vibration unit to perform a second vibration different from the predetermined vibration,
When causing the vibration unit to vibrate the second vibration,
When the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the vibration unit is controlled to perform the predetermined vibration and the second vibration, and when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the vibration unit performs control so as to perform the second vibration without performing the predetermined vibration.   The information processing system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the predetermined surface is a ground set in the virtual space.   The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the movement away from the predetermined plane is a jump movement of the operation target.   The information processing system according to claim 13, wherein the vibration control unit vibrates the vibration unit with a strength corresponding to a position of the operation target in the virtual space. The vibration unit includes a first vibration unit and a second vibration unit,
The information processing system according to claim 17, wherein the vibration control unit controls the strength of vibration of each of the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit according to a position of the operation target. An information processing method performed in an information processing system,
The operation target is controlled in the virtual space based on a player's operation, and when the predetermined operation is performed when the operation target is in contact with a predetermined surface in the virtual space, the operation target is An operation object control step for causing the operation object to perform an operation of moving away from the surface;
When a predetermined vibration unit is controlled to perform a predetermined vibration when the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface in the virtual space, and the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation And a vibration control step for controlling so as not to cause the predetermined vibration. The vibration control step includes
Based on a predetermined game process, further controlling the vibration unit to perform a second vibration different from the predetermined vibration,
When causing the vibration unit to vibrate the second vibration,
When the operation target is in contact with the predetermined surface, the vibration unit is controlled to perform the predetermined vibration and the second vibration, and when the operation target is separated from the predetermined surface by the operation The information processing method according to claim 19, wherein the vibration unit is controlled to perform the second vibration without performing the predetermined vibration.   The information processing method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the predetermined surface is a ground set in the virtual space.   The information processing method according to claim 19, wherein the movement away from the predetermined plane is a jump movement of the operation target.   The information processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein, in the vibration control step, the vibration unit is vibrated with a strength corresponding to a position of the operation target in the virtual space. The vibration unit includes a first vibration unit and a second vibration unit,
The information processing method according to claim 23, wherein in the vibration control step, the vibration intensity of each of the first vibration unit and the second vibration unit is controlled according to the position of the operation target.

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